Description

Juicy, golden Parmesan chicken bites served with a smoky Cajun Alfredo gemelli pasta—this dish is creamy, crispy, spicy, and comforting all in one. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 ½ cups heavy cream

2 ounces cream cheese

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

12 ounces gemelli pasta

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks, keeping them uniform in size.

2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.

3. Dredge chicken in flour, then dip into eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

4. Air fry chicken at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

5. Boil gemelli pasta in salted water per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

6. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

7. Add heavy cream and cream cheese; stir until smooth and thickened. Fold in Parmesan until melted.

8. Toss cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.

9. Plate pasta and top with chicken bites. Garnish with black pepper and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Make sure to press the breading mixture firmly onto the chicken for extra crisp texture.

If using chicken thighs, adjust cooking time slightly for doneness.

To reheat leftovers, use an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness—avoid the microwave for the chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Fryer / Oven / Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
Calories: 675
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: parmesan chicken, cajun alfredo, crispy chicken pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta